The explanation came a few days later . Owners Joe and Sue, who have managed this neighborhood store for the past 22 years, will be closing their business at the end of October.
I stopped by yesterday and spoke to Raymond, who was standing behind the counter. He explained that the store had been profitable for many.many years, but that ever since Whole Foods had opened up, it had syphoned much business away from them. They adapted by offering more organic produce and products, since that was what the new customers in the neighborhood seem to want, but it was not enough to carry on.
The owners' intention has been to stay till the end of their current lease, knowing that the landlord was planning an increase in rent for a new lease, which would have made the store non-viable.
So, the doors of this beloved little deli will close for good on October 31st.
It will be a sad day for those who have shopped here before there was Whole Foods, Union Market and Gourmet Food.
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18 comments:
That is very sad news. Sue and Joe are extremely fine people, hardworking and considerate to their core. They have taken the time over the years to get to know us, our kids, our neighbors, and even our extended family members. They will be missed.
it will be a sad day for those who shopped there before they left Joe and sue's for all of those other stores? I imagine those people will get over it soon enough, for had they really cared, they never would have abandoned Joe and sue in the first place.
I liked this place but not living at this end of the hood I only shopped here once in a while. Last time I was in the price for grapes seemed high. Most places of this sort rely on foot traffic. Whole Foods relies on people with cars. So who knows? An aging clientele? Younger car owning neighbors? Perhaps a combination. Curb appeal is also a factor which this tiny shop has lost. I’m so sorry. Good luck to them. Did they have a kitty cat too? I hope he goes home with them.
Take a look at the photos if you want a few more clues regarding fleeing customers. It's covered in graffiti. The awning is torn. The inside looks filthy/unhygienic. They sold tomatoes and grapes and bananas. Why are we pretending the were overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables? Keep up with the neighborhood or lose your business. It's not that complicated. We don't owe it to them to shop there if they offer an inferior product.
Never like that place not very friendly. Owners were rude to me and after that NEVER step foot into that place again. I agree the place looked filthy/unhygienic. Their cat would be all over their products. It's about time to say Bye Bye ��
So sad. They are the loveliest people. Hard to make a living with such a small space and the limited housing on Smith and Henry at this part of the neighborhood. I always shopped there first but only left with beans, milk and a few snacks. Always had to fill in with a stop at Gourmet Fresh.
Joe loved his grapes!
The rest of the produce maybe not so much.
Any updates on Lucali opening a second location in the old Madcap space on Court and 1st?
Aha, had not heard about that. Will keep my ears open
is that Lucali on Court a rumor? I haven't heard anything, but very interested in learning more!
I agree with Anon 8:56pm. Let’s not glamorize every business that closes simply because it’s old. And let’s not do the tired “rent-increase” excuse to explain why it closed. Retail rents are not increasing anymore anyway.
Owners are kind, I agree. But it’s a store that didn’t add a whole lot to the neighborhood. There’s better fruit and flowers elsewhere, it wasn’t well taken care of. There are cases where truly great businesses do down for unfortunate reasons, and I mourn them. This is not one.
I loved this store and I loved knowing the owners and their multiple cats over the last 15 years. It was a nice place to get healthful and fresh things in a pinch. I don't think Whole Foods is the problem as much as amazon fresh/food plate services which have changed how people plan and make fresh foods.
To the people who found this place dirty or uninviting, did you ever share this with Joe and Sue? You may not be sad to see this store go, but helping our communities stay places for people is an obligation for us all.
I'm heartbroken to hear this news. Joe has made my week on more than one occasion, with a genuine smile and a kind word after a long day. He's always struck me as an honest businessman and a truly terrific human being. Having his shop in the neighborhood has been a real anchor. Echoing what Deborah said above: "helping our communities stay places for people is an obligation for us all." It's so sad to see small businesses closing all over the city, and heartless chains cropping up. Call me sentimental, but with every day that passes, I just don't recognize New York anymore.
I’m sorry to hear this. Sue and Joe are both remarkably kind and generous people, and as such represent what the neighborhood is really about. I wish them and their family well.
Some of the comments on this...wow. Hope you like handing over all your money to Amazon/Whole Foods unless you already do.
This all reminds me of Josie's Place and the Times's report on her demise, where Sue appears with some words about Josie:
https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/04/nyregion/the-coffee-was-poured-with-negative-reinforcement.html
Whole Foods is not the problem. This place is right next door to Gourmet Fresh, which *expanded* last year. If you're walking down the block and you're faced with two groceries side-by-side, and one is dirty and empty and the other is busy and clean, which would you choose?
i saw the orange and white store cat looking bereft tonight....anyone know what is going on with her?
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